Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has responded to rumours that he could replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager.
Ancelotti signed his most recent deal in December 2023 to keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2026.
However, there is some uncertainty about whether the experienced manager will fulfil the full length of his contract.
According to Onda Cero, Ancelotti has already decided that he will leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
The report claims that the Italian will call time on his second spell as Real Madrid boss even if the club collect silverware between now and the end of the season.
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Alonso plays down Real Madrid speculation
Ancelotti's position has come under scrutiny in recent times after overseeing a demoralising 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, representing Real Madrid's second heavy Clasico defeat of the season.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ancelotti's former player, Alonso, continues to be linked with the managerial hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Real Madrid midfielder played down the speculation when reporters asked about the rumours in Monday's pre-match press conference.
"Already questions on Real Madrid?! [laughs] Time goes by but the affection remains," Alonso said ahead of Leverkusen's Champions League away meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
"Our bond is very strong, that is clear but my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that's in my mind."
Alonso went on to add: "Real Madrid rumours? I'm calm. I have enough things to worry about, it's not on my mind right now."
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Why are Real Madrid considering Alonso?
Like Ancelotti, Alonso's current contract runs until June 2026, although Leverkusen appear to be bracing themselves for his potential departure this summer.
Alonso has developed a reputation as one of Europe's best coaches since taking over the reins at the BayArena in October 2022.
The 43-year-old took Leverkusen from the relegation zone to a sixth-place finish in his first season, before he oversaw the best campaign in the club's history in 2023-24.
Leverkusen achieved an unbeaten domestic season, winning their first Bundesliga title as well as their second DFB-Pokal.
The German club also went all the way to the Europa League final, before they lost 3-0 to Atalanta in what was their only defeat of the entire campaign.
Alonso's side are continuing to enjoy success this season, sitting in fourth place in the Champions League phase and in second position in the Bundesliga table, while they are also in the quarter-finals of the Pokal.
Leverkusen will attempt to record a 13th consecutive victory in all competitions when they face Atletico in Tuesday's clash at the Metropolitano.
